Fashion Illustrations

On this page you'll find examples of Martha Powell's fashion illustration work. Whether it's for a class, or of her own inspiration these drawings are sure to thrill~

Fashion Victimes

It's a bizarre and decadent time, this place we live in. It's the year of our Lord, 2061, and the costume of the times has certainly changed a lot since the barbaric days of 2011. Woman today seem to draw their inspirations from the pages of Harpers Bazar from well over a century ago, and the illustrations of Erte seem to fill the streets of London and Paris. This style is beginning to be known as the "Fashion Victime", as the ladies adorning the style appear more victims to their craft, than of their own will.

Drawing on blood, gold, and charcoal, these "Victims" chose to wear their opulance and wealth rather than enjoy it in private. Sharp angles, balloon style gathering and white hair are what these ladies lust after. Tulle, velvets and damask are what they strive for in their wine stunted lives.

"Fashion Victimes" is a collection heavily based on the illustrations of Erte. Each dress was meant to mimic his style, ideal and form, as I believe this is the way fashion is headed in the next 60 years. Having explored collections of his works I feel that Erte was onto something when he was designing in 1911, and I believe in 2061, we will be seeing styles very similar to what he was forcasting in the early 20th century.

Kick it Like Gidget!

"Kick it like Gidget" was inspired by the popular surfer culture of the early 1960's. The color scheme is analogous, consisting of the popular reds, wines, oranges and yellows of the early latter of the decade. The names line is borrowed from the TV, movie and book franchise of the era, Gidget! Character Francis "Gidget" Peters was a ready set teen with an itch for travel and a passion for surfing. Prints such as gingham and polka dots were chosen for their popularity at the time. This theme is also reflected in choices for the hair and shoes.

My Day with Peter Rabbit

Drawing on the late Victoria period and the fanciful tales of Peter Rabbit, a new idea was formed. "My Day with Peter Rabbit" is an Early Fall collection of coats that draws inspiration from Beatrix Potter's classic tale of "Peter Rabbit" as well as hues and tints of greens and blues. Each coat incorporates a flattering fanned skirt with petticoats to keep the bell shape.

Textures range from pinstripes and herringbone, to gingham and picked tweed. This style is meant for the girl wo isn't afraid to dream a little bigger and push a little farther; after all, you want to be fabulous when you sneak into Mr. McGregor's Garden.

The Bird Keepers Wife

The Horse Whisper's Desciple

The Flapper Takes a Bow

She's fast falling and free wheeling! All the guy's want her and all the girl's want to be her! She's a flapper and she won't stop...not even for her wedding day! "The Flapper Takes a Bow" is a collection focused around the draping styles of Madame Grès and Madeleine Vionnet, while pulling strongly on the boxy drop waist style of the 1920's.

All Dresses in this bridal collection feature draped tiered skirts, that sit on a dropped waist line that was the custom of the time. "The Flapper Takes a Bow" is classically inspired and elegant, while maintaining the rebellious attitude of the time. This collection takes the idea of something borrowed, something blue and brings it to a new couture level.

A Day In the Life

Every parent knows the feeling, "You don't want to leave her now," and "Maxwell is swinging that hammer a bit hard." You want to tell your child, "Anna, go to him." But you just can't because your child isn't as snazzy as "Her Majesty". Have no fear! "Help" is here! "A Day in the Life" is here to "Get Back" your child's inner confidence this fall. Have your child go from a "Lonely Hearts Club" kind of kid to a regular, "Paper Back Writer" in no time.

A day in the life was inspired from four of my most cherished Beatles songs. The collection drew its inspiration from tertiary colors, sweater knits and The Beatles. The collection hopes to draw from the nostalgia from the parents perspective and the imagination from the child. "A Day in the Life" is made for the enjoyment of both parent and child"